Pakistan says ‘confident’ will meet requirements for next GSP+ scheme

A pedestrian walks under waving flags of the European Union in front of the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels on March 11, 2021. (AFP)
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Updated 06 October 2021
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Pakistan says ‘confident’ will meet requirements for next GSP+ scheme

  • Islamabad will have to demonstrate tangible progress on meeting international conventions on rights, governance  
  • European Parliament has an immediate sought review of Pakistan’s eligibility for GSP+ status over rights record  

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Pakistan has submitted its response to the European Union's list of issues and follow-up questions for the renewal of its Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status, with the country’s commerce chief saying he is “confident” that Islamabad would be successful in the fourth biennial review of the special trade incentive.  

This April, the European Parliament moved a resolution against Pakistan, seeking an immediate review of its eligibility for GSP+ status over what it called violence and discrimination against religious minorities and other vulnerable groups.  

The development took place after the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) religious party resorted to violent protests, demanding the expulsion of the French ambassador to Islamabad over anti-Islam cartoons published in France.  

The GSP+ is a special trade arrangement offered to developing economies by European nations in return for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection and governance. Institutionalized in 1971, the framework removes or reduces import duties on products exported to Europe from low-income countries.  

Pakistan, which is part of a current GSP+ scheme set to end in December 2023, submitted its responses to the EU's list of issues and follow-up questions on September 15.  

"EU is our biggest export partner and we have excellent relations with all EU member states. If you see our exports country-wise, EU member countries will be in the top ten export destinations. As the 4th Biennial Review of GSP Plus incentive is currently underway, I am confident that due to the positive initiatives by the government it will be successfully completed," Pakistani prime minister’s aide on commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said in a statement.  

"The five new international conventions in the new GSP scheme are in line with government’s priorities and we are already taking steps to ensure labour rights, child rights and rights of the persons with disabilities. I can assure that the Government of Pakistan is already committed to the cause."   

The legislative proposal for the new GSP scheme will now be presented to the European Council and Parliament for detailed deliberations before adoption. Once the European Council and Parliament adopt the new scheme, Pakistan, like any other beneficiary country of the GSP scheme, will have to file a new application for the new GSP scheme and ratify and implement 32 International Conventions.  

Speaking to Arab News earlier, Dawood said Pakistan would have to file a fresh application for the new scheme like other beneficiary countries of the GSP scheme.  

“Pakistani products … have duty free access in all 27 member states of the European Union since January 1, 2014, until December 31, 2023,” he said, adding that the EU periodically reviewed the commitment of all beneficiary nations with GSP+ status to the signed international conventions.  

Dawood said all nations, including Pakistan, would be required to ratify and implement the five new international conventions, in addition to the previous 27 international covenants, to benefit from a new program to be adopted by the EU from 2024 to 2036.  

The EU office in Islamabad said in a statement Pakistan was the largest beneficiary of the current GSP+ program but the European Commission was continuously monitoring progress made by beneficiary nations like Pakistan in implementing international conventions.  

“In the last monitoring reports, some progress has been positively highlighted, while concerns have been raised regarding child labor, torture, media freedom and access to justice, among others,” the statement maintained.  

European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Androulla Kaminara said in a statement last month that Pakistan’s exports to Europe had increased by 60 percent since it was granted GSP+ status in 2014 but “in order to maintain the trade preferences under GSP Plus beyond 2023, Pakistan will have to redouble its efforts to turn the international conventions it signed into reality on the ground.”  

“To make the case to be eligible under the new GSP Plus system, Pakistan, like any other potential beneficiary countries,” Kaminara said, “will have to demonstrate tangible progress to convince EU parliamentarians and member state governments.”  


Pakistan’s inflation rate to remain within 3-4% range in June—finance ministry

Updated 58 min 2 sec ago
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Pakistan’s inflation rate to remain within 3-4% range in June—finance ministry

  • Pakistan’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.5% in May, higher than April reading of 0.3%, as per official data
  • Higher remittances, exports to keep Pakistan’s current account in surplus for FY 2025, says report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s inflation rate is expected to remain between the 3-4% range for June, the finance ministry said in its monthly outlook report on Monday amid Islamabad’s attempts to turn its economy around. 

Pakistan’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.5% in May, higher than the April 2025 reading of 0.3%, data from the statistics bureau said earlier this month. The government says its financial policies and fiscal reforms have led to a substantial decline in Pakistan’s annual inflation rate since May 2023, when it had peaked to 38%. 

“Inflation is expected to remain within the range of 3.0-4.0% for June 2025,” the finance ministry’s monthly economic outlook report said.

The report said that an uptake in loans to private sector businesses suggests rising production activities and improved investor confidence, adding that on the external front, higher remittances and exports will continue to keep Pakistan’s current account in surplus for FY 2025.

The finance ministry’s report further said that from July 2024 to April 2025, Pakistan’s increase in revenues outpaced the growth of its expenditures, adding that it reflected the effectiveness of the government’s ongoing fiscal consolidation efforts.

It said the government’s net federal receipts grew by 44.4% to Rs8,124.2 billion during Jul-Apr FY2025 from Rs5,627.5 billion last year.

“The rise in revenues is primarily contributed by 68.1% growth in non-tax collections,” it said. “Similarly, tax collection witnessed a significant increase, as in Jul-May FY2025, it grew by 25.9% to Rs10,233.9 billion from Rs8,125.7 billion last year.”

The report said this increase in tax collection is attributed to a 33.8% increase in federal excise duty, followed by a 27% increase in direct tax, a 26.5% increase in sales tax, and a 16.3% increase in customs. 


Pakistan urges world to stop Israel’s ‘murderous course,’ reaffirms support for Palestinian state

Updated 30 June 2025
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Pakistan urges world to stop Israel’s ‘murderous course,’ reaffirms support for Palestinian state

  • Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas in Gaza has killed at least 56,412 people since October 7, 2023
  • Ishaq Dar criticizes Israel’s “wanton killing” of women and children, targeting aid workers and blocking Gaza aid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday urged the international community to mobilize and stop Israel from its “murderous course” and military operations in Gaza, reiterating Islamabad’s firm support for an independent Palestinian state. 

After claiming victory in a 12-day war against Iran that ended with a ceasefire last Tuesday, the Israeli military said it would refocus on its offensive in Gaza, where Hamas still holds Israeli hostages.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign against Hamas has killed at least 56,412 people in Gaza since October 2023. Most of the dead are civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry. The United Nations considers these figures to be reliable.

“The international community must mobilize to stop Israel from its murderous course and persuade it to pursue a path of reason,” Dar said during his speech at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. 

“Palestinians must be granted their inalienable right to self-determination,” he added. 

He condemned Israel’s “wanton killing of women and children,” blaming the Jewish state for using starvation as “an instrument of war” in the densely populated Gaza territory, targeting humanitarian workers and destroying homes, schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure there. 

Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s foreign minister, said Islamabad reiterates its support for the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. 

The Pakistani deputy premier condemned Israel and the United States for attacking key Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this month, saying they violated the United Nations Charter, international law and put regional peace in danger. 

He welcomed the Iran-Israel ceasefire announcement, urging all parties to resolve their disputes peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy.


Pakistan finmin to discuss global finance challenges at international conference in Spain this week

Updated 30 June 2025
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Pakistan finmin to discuss global finance challenges at international conference in Spain this week

  • Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development will be held in Seville, Spain, from July 1-3
  • Muhammad Aurangzeb to meet global policymakers, speak on debt transformation and financial cooperation

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will discuss global finance challenges and meet policymakers from other countries at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) being held in Spain this week, the finance ministry said on Monday. 

The conference, which is being held from July 1 to 3 in Seville, will bring together leaders, policymakers and international development experts to explore innovative and sustainable financing strategies to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for developing and emerging economies, the finance ministry said. 

Aurangzeb is scheduled to take part in several key conferences and high-level side events, where he will present Pakistan’s take on the prevalent global finance issues and greater cooperation among nations. 

“The Finance Minister’s participation at FFD4 underscores Pakistan’s commitment to promoting innovative financing solutions, strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing the country’s voice in global development discourse,” the finance ministry said. 

Sharing details of the finance minister’s engagements at the conference, the ministry said he will co-chair the multi-stakeholder roundtable on ‘Leveraging Private Business and Finance’ on July 1 and deliver a keynote address at the International Business Forum Policy Dialogue on ‘Accelerating EMDEs Investment: The Role of Credit Ratings.’

The minister is also scheduled to address the General Debate of the conference and participate in the roundtable discussion on ‘Revitalizing International Development Cooperation,’ the ministry said. 

It added that as part of a UNICEF-hosted side event, Aurangzeb will speak on ‘Driving Capital Towards Children and Young People: A Dialogue on Innovative and Sustainable Financing for Children.’

It said the finance minister will also attend and speak as the chief guest at a special session titled ‘Swapping Out Debt for Development: The DCS Financing Approach,’ where he will highlight Pakistan’s perspectives on debt transformation and the potential of deposit protection mechanisms to support development finance.

He will also participate as a panelist at the International Business Forum’s side event on ‘Scaling Up SME Finance,’ focusing on enhanced financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises, the ministry added. 

“In addition to his conference engagements, the Finance Minister will hold bilateral meetings with key international figures, including Mr. John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce, and H.E. Mr. Steven Collet, Vice Minister for Development of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” the finance ministry said. 

Pakistan has been navigating a tricky path to recovery from a prolonged macroeconomic crisis that has weakened its foreign exchange reserves, drained its resources and triggered a balance of payments crisis. 

The government says it is committed to the reforms course, which includes privatizing state-owned enterprises incurring losses, widening the tax base and improving its energy sector. 


Pakistan says two ‘dangerous’ fugitives wanted in several cases arrested in Spain

Updated 30 June 2025
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Pakistan says two ‘dangerous’ fugitives wanted in several cases arrested in Spain

  • Nawazish Ali Hanjra is wanted in 23 cases on charges ranging from “terrorism” to murder and kidnapping for ransom
  • Pakistan says has demanded the arrest and extradition of 38 fugitives from Spain via Interpol’s Red Notices for years

ISLAMABAD: Spanish authorities have arrested two “dangerous” fugitives wanted in several cases such as murder, “terrorism” and kidnapping for ransom, Pakistan’s state-run media reported recently, with Islamabad hoping other absconders in the European country would also be apprehended and extradited soon. 

As per details shared by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Nawazish Ali Hanjra is wanted in 23 cases including “terrorism,” murder and kidnapping for ransom while Haroon Iqbal, the other suspect, is wanted in a separate case. These two were arrested in Spain on Interpol’s Red Notices, APP said.

Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, during his recent visit to Spain, met Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to demand the arrest and extradition of the two suspects, APP said. The Spanish interior minister acted swiftly and issued directives to authorities in this regard.

“This is a major step forward in our commitment to justice,” Chaudry was quoted as saying by APP on Sunday. “I am grateful to the Spanish authorities for understanding the gravity of the situation and taking swift action. We hope to see the remaining fugitives arrested and extradited soon.”

APP said Islamabad has demanded the arrest and extradition of 38 fugitives from Spain via Interpol’s Red Notices for years. It said these individuals managed to evade justice for years, exploiting legal loopholes and the lack of coordination between international enforcement agencies.

The state-run media said legal proceedings are underway to facilitate Hanjra’s and Iqbal’s extradition to Pakistan, where they will face trial under the country’s anti-terror and criminal laws.

“The development is being hailed as a milestone in international law enforcement cooperation and a sign that Pakistan is intensifying efforts to bring back criminals who have found refuge abroad,” APP said. 


At least 45 killed, 68 injured since June 26 as monsoon rains batter Pakistan 

Updated 30 June 2025
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At least 45 killed, 68 injured since June 26 as monsoon rains batter Pakistan 

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports highest casualties, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths
  • Pakistan has forecast widespread rain with wind and thundershowers across various regions of the country from June 29 to July 5

ISLAMABAD: At least 45 people have been killed and 68 injured across Pakistan in rain-related incidents since June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in its latest report as heavy monsoon rains continued to batter the country. 

Heavy rains have lashed Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Sindh provinces since June 26, raising water levels in rivers to alarming levels and triggering floods in various cities across the country. 

The latest casualties took place as the NDMA issued multiple impact-based weather alerts on Sunday, forecasting widespread rain with wind and thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls across various regions of Pakistan from June 29 to July 5. 

“NDMA urges all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, activate contingency plans, and ensure timely dissemination of warnings in local languages,” the authority said on Sunday. “Citizens, especially those in high-risk areas, are advised to stay updated through official adviseries, avoid unnecessary travel near glacial streams, riverbanks, and flooded roads, and keep emergency kits ready.”

As per the latest NDMA situation report, 45 people have been killed and 68 injured from June 26-29 in Pakistan’s KP, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The casualties include 23 children, 12 men and 10 women. 

KP reported the highest number of casualties from rain-related incidents, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths. Punjab reported the highest number of injuries at 39 followed by Sindh with 16 while KP reported 11 and Balochistan two. 

The report said flash floods claimed the highest number of casualties, followed by electrocution, drowning, lightning and other factors. Flash flooding in KP’s Swat River last week claimed the lives of 12 tourists while Rescue 1122 emergency service said it was searching for one missing boy on Sunday. 

 

 

Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and faces extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

These extreme and irregular weather patterns include droughts, heatwaves and torrential rains which experts have attributed to climate change. Unusually heavy rains and the melting of glaciers in June 2022 triggered cataclysmic floods that killed over 1,700 people across Pakistan, washed away swathes of crops and damaged critical infrastructure. Pakistan estimated the damages to be worth over $33 billion.